Ronnie James Franco

Ronnie J. Franco, beloved husband, father and papa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, February 7, 2021 in Longmont, Colorado. He was born on April 19, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Arthur and Margaret (Miller) Frank.

Ron grew up and attended school in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Lutheran High West in 1962. After graduation, he enlisted in the United Stated Marine Corps and completed two tours in the Vietnam War. It was after those tours that he was stationed as a Military Police at Barbers Point Naval Air Station, Oahu, Hawaii. This post as an MP was the threshold to the rest of his life for it was this one fateful night on duty that he met the great love of his life, Judy.

Judy accepted her 1st teaching position in Hawaii. One night after giving some Navy guys a ride back to the barracks, Ron only granted them access to the base on the condition that they exit the base through the same gate. Thinking nothing of it, they proceeded to drop off their friends and head back out to to go home. As they were approaching the gate Ron blew his whistle and stood in front of the car. He then walked around to the side of the car, pointed at Judy, and said, “I want her number”. Two weeks later they were engaged and were married a year later. Ron and Judy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 26, 2017.

After they were married, they moved to Westminster, Colorado, built a beautiful life, and had a family that would be Ron’s pride until his dying day. Family meant everything to him and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for any one of his children or grandchildren.

Ron had many hobbies throughout his life. He was an avid car enthusiast as in, he REALLY loved his cars. He enjoyed playing hockey, remote control cars, dirt biking, camping, cooking, and playing poker with neighbors.

Ron is survived by a host of family that includes his devoted wife, Judy (Kitzman) Franco; loving children, Andy & Holly Franco of Canyon Lake, CA, Ronna and Mike Solmos of Broomfield, CO, Rocco and Carrianne Franco of Travers City, MI, and Gina and Guy Graham of Thornton, CO; grandchildren Nicolas and Dylan Franco, Mason and Amelia Solmos, Hallie, Sidonia, Rocco and Ryelyn Franco, and Spencer and Jillian Graham.

The Funeral will take place on Saturday, February 13, at 11:00 am at the Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman Street, Longmont. Because of COVID and restrictions, some may not be able to attend as they would like. Please visit howemortuary.com to share a memory of Ron and leave condolences for the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Make A Wish Foundation at https://wish.org